Apparatus for rolling and collecting a disk-like object on a surface

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for rolling a disk-like object on a surface includes a base which maintains the disk-like object vertical in its discharge position, a mean to control the direction of the disk-like object movement and a discharge mechanism which controls the initial speed of the rolling disk-like object. A collection apparatus is provided for catching the rolling disk-like object, reducing its speed gradually to a complete stop as it enters it. The collection apparatus is made to collect multiple rolling disks.

The present invention relates generally to action toys, and more particularly to a rolling disk toy which includes a base, a discharge mechanism and a goal.

Action toys are well-known and explored. It is further well known to provide toys in which one hits an object in a golf-like manner in order to place it in a goal. A disk rolling toy with a novel base and goal apparatus which further combines these various features into a single toy should provide particularly engaging play activity.

The invention is a disk-like object rolling and collection toy comprising; a base which positions the disk-like object; a discharge mechanism which directs the disk-like object and allows for its initial velocity; and a goal object which collects the rolling disk-like object. The first aspect of the invention is an apparatus which allows for a disk-like object to be easily discharged from a vertical position set by a base to a rolling state. The simplest realization of such a base is a vertically aligned slot comprising of a width which is lightly larger then the disk-like object's planar height (FIG. 1). Such a base can be molded from plastic or metallic material or can be cut out of a wooden bulk, it may also combine different material types. Once the disk-like object is places in the slot, its angular location can be easily maneuvered by rotating the base, thus controlling the discharge direction. A simple putting rack (FIG. 2) may be used to allow the disk-like object its initial velocity by tapping on its back side circumference. Such a rack can be molded from plastic or metallic material or can be cut out of a wooden bulk, it may also combine different material types. The base may also comprise of a handle (FIG. 2) which makes direction setting convenient. The force applied by the rack, or any alternative discharge mechanism, sets the initial velocity of the rolling disk-like object. If tapped in the direction of the base's slotted hole, the disk-like object may travel a long distance. For example, if the latter application is applied on a Compact Disk (CD), an average adult would easily enable the disk-like object to roll more then 50 feet on a carpet. The application may also be used by younger individuals with rolling distances which average on shorter distances.

A second aspect of the invention is the usage of goal apparatus in addition to the base and discharge apparatus. In this aspect, the disk-like object is being rolled with the intention of allowing it to enter a well defined goal. The goal apparatus may comprise of a device which traps the disk as it enters it or it may comprise of a tunnel-like apparatus which allows the disk-like object to pass through. A simple and convenient realization of such a goal would be a triangular shaped box (FIG. 3) having length and height which allow the disk-like object to enter it. The width of the triangular box can vary, altering the difficulty of making the disk-like object enter it. In order to capture the disk-like object within the goal apparatus, a wedge may be attached to the goal's entrance (FIG. 3). Once passing through the wedge from outside of the goal apparatus, the disk-like object bounces back to the flat part of the wedge, which does not allow it to exit the goal. Other variation of a goal apparatus may include various sensors and devices which would recognize the entrance of the disk-like object into the goal, these devices may also be made to measure the force the disk-like object applies on them as it enters the goal.

The practice of the described game set can take various forms. The basic aspect of the invention, which utilizes a base for holding the disk-like object and a discharge mechanism, can be played in a distance target, much similar to the so called ‘driving range’ practice which is associated with golf. In this case, each players goal is to roll the disk-like object to the longest possible distance or to a set distance which was agreed upon. In the second aspect of the invention, where the game set utilizes a base, a discharge mechanism and a goal, the game practice can take the form of entering a multiple number of goals. The goals may be distributed along a known path, much like in golf, where each player has to have his disk-like object enter all goals in the minimal number of strikes. This practice can also be conducted where no specific order is defined.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 visualizes a simple base and direction setting apparatus of which the disk-like object, also shown in the figure, is position in. In this figure a ‘Compact-Disk’ (CD) is positioned vertically in a slotted groove in the base.

FIG. 2 visualizes a simple discharge mechanism apparatus that consists of a basic rack. The cylindrical part of the rack is used as a handle. The triangular part of the rack is then made to tap the backside of the disk-like object, generating its initial velocity and setting its initial direction.

FIG. 3 visualizes a goal apparatus that consists of a triangular hole and an entrance wedge. The rolling disk-like object that enters the goal passes through the entrance wedge by means of its incoming speed. Once entered the goal, its velocity is gradually reduced by the goal's triangular walls, any residual velocity would bounce back the disk-like object toward the exit. Once meet by the wedge from its flat side (toward the exit) the disk-like object is bounced back into the goal again, achieving its final stop. 

1. For use in discharging a rolling disk-like object, a disk-like object rolling apparatus comprising of: A base which holds the disk-like object in a vertical position, where the disk-like object's surface is perpendicular to the surface on which the disk is rolled on; And a means to discharge the disk-like object.
 2. A disk-like object rolling apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said base includes an apparatus which controls the direction of the rolling disk-like object.
 3. A disk-like object rolling apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said base comprises of a vertical slot having a width similar to the width of the disk-like object.
 4. A disk-like object rolling apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said discharge mechanism comprises of a stick-like object which is said to strike the back of the rolling disk-like object.
 5. A disk-like object rolling apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said discharge mechanism comprises of an object which is pulled against a string. This object is then released to strike the back of the disk-like object, initiating the rolling of the disk-like object.
 6. A disk-like object rolling apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said discharge mechanism comprises of a trigger which has the ability to release the spring which holds the disk-like object, thus initiating its discharge.
 7. A disk-like object rolling apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said discharge mechanism comprises of a long rack of which the player holds while standing, tapping on the backside perimeter of the disk-like object, providing it with its initial velocity.
 8. A disk-like object rolling apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said discharge mechanism comprises direction setting device which comprises of a putting rack with various putting angles.
 9. A disk-like object rolling apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said discharge mechanism comprises of a motorized arm which taps on the disk-like object edge, initiating the rolling of the disk-like object.
 10. A disk-like object rolling apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said discharge mechanism comprises of a vertically falling slider which is released on the disk-like object perimeter, initiating the rolling of the disk-like object.
 11. A disk-like object rolling apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said discharge mechanism comprises of a motor which rotates the disk-like object in an elevated position, where the rolling of the disk-like object is initiated by releasing the disk-like object from its elevated position.
 12. A disk-like object rolling apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said discharge mechanism comprises of a sledge of which the disk-like object is placed on top of. The rolling of the disk-like object is then initiated by releasing the disk-like object from its elevated position.
 13. A disk-like object rolling apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said discharge mechanism comprises of a base positioned on a vertical shaft firmly positioned on the surface, allowing the angular setting of the disk-like object direction.
 14. A disk-like object rolling apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said discharge mechanism comprises rack which is attached to a person foot. In this configuration the person's kick onto the back side of the disk-like object generate its initial velocity and sets its initial direction.
 15. For use in discharging and collecting a rolling disk-like object, a disk-like rolling and collection apparatus comprising of: A base which holds the disk-like object at a vertical position, where the disk-like object's surface is perpendicular to the surface on which the disk is rolled on; A means to discharge the disk-like object; And a goal apparatus which collects the disk-like object once it has entered it.
 16. A disk-like object rolling and collection apparatus as set forth in claim 15 wherein said goal apparatus comprises of a triangular box of which the disk-like object enters and gradually reduces its speed to a complete stop. The said triangular box may have various acceptance angles.
 17. A disk-like object rolling and collection apparatus as set forth in claim 15 wherein said goal apparatus entrance comprises of a wedge which converts the planar movement of the disk-like object to a vertical one. The said wedge has it flat part inside the goal apparatus, thus reducing the chances of the disk-like object bouncing out of the goal once entered it.
 18. A disk-like object rolling and collection apparatus as set forth in claim 15 wherein said goal apparatus contains a sensor which may generates a scoring sound once the disk-like object enters it.
 19. A disk-like object rolling and collection apparatus as set forth in claim 15 wherein said goal apparatus contains a sensor which is connected to a device which counts the number of disk-like object entering the goal apparatus.
 20. A disk-like object rolling and collection apparatus as set forth in claim 15 wherein said goal apparatus entrance comprises of a tunnel of which the disk-like object passes through. 